Block Quilting

"Creativity at your fingertips"

Almost
anything can be created with block quilting.
It can be basic and easy or more intricate.

Quilt blocks
or squares are designs that have been pieced together. They are arranged to make your top. This can be done using the same design block
or mixed and matched.

Block Designs and Different Sizes

The first
thing you want to keep in mind is that if you are using more than one block
design, you want them to be the same size.

Patterns for
quilting squares come in a variety of sizes.
Usually they range from 6” to 12”.

Personally, I
prefer blocks that are 6 x 6”. I’m able
to create more creative images this way.
Also designs that use the same block pattern have a way of looking more
intricate even when they are rather simple.

Here is an
example:

Finial Size

Next you need
to decide how big your quilt going to be.

There are
several quilting calculators out there that will do the math for you.

If you are
mathematically inclined you have an advantaged.
This is because you understand the principals behind it more than just
plug and play.

It doesn’t
need to be intimidating. The easiest way
to do the math is to make sure the length and width of your quilt is divisible
by the size of your square.

For instance
if you choose blocks that are 6 inches, then a 72 inch length would be 12
squares. A 60 inch width would be 10
squares.

Multiply how
many blocks you’ll need for the width and the length to create the whole quilt
top.

Example: 12 X 10 = 120 blocks

Designing
which blocks you would like to use can be done with your imagination or with
software.

When it comes
to software two names rise above the crowd.
Those names would be Electric Quilt and Quilt-pro. Both have several features that include
things like calculating the amount of fabric you would need for your project.

However, if
you are able to imagine a look you don’t need anything that fancy.

I only
recommend using software if you plan to do a lot of quilting or need that extra
visual help. Don’t spend the money if
you are just getting your feet wet.

Though I will
admit it’s really helpful to know exactly how much fabric you’ll need upfront.

More Than One Design

If you are
block quilting with more than one pattern, it is wise to have a strong vision
in mind. The better you can visualize it
the more likely your end product will be beautiful.

There is also
a less likelihood that you’d make a mistake.

I’ve made
mistakes that came from either being too tired, or from just poor
planning. Avoid this by taking frequent
breaks and really see how your pieces will be placed.

It would be a
good idea of piecing a few blocks and arranging them together to get a good
visual.

Sometimes
this helps reaffirm your choice in designs.
Other times… you might change it up to something better.

To wrap up,
find the patterns of block quilting that you would like to use. Then calculate how many squares you would
need. Finish by having a clear direction
of what the finished quilt will look like.

This gives
you the confidence and pride of making a beautiful functional work of art.